LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky coach John Calipari and his players have returned home to throngs of adoring fans after winning the school's eighth NCAA championship.

Blue-clad fans packed Rupp Arena Tuesday afternoon and watched replays of Kentucky's 67-59 win over Kansas in New Orleans Monday night. Senior Darius Miller carried the NCAA trophy as players stepped off a sleek blue bus parked inside the arena to cheers and screams that are typical at a Wildcats' home game.

Calipari first thanked the fans and said there were about 5,000 that welcomed the team at the airport. He told them: "You people never cease to amaze me."

Calipari says Kentucky had "the best players and the best team" this year in the tournament.